# accidence

CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/accidence
Updated: 2026-06-04

## Definition

the study of how words change their form to show different things, like tense or number. It is the part of grammar that deals with how words are spelled and how they end.

For teachers: the branch of grammar concerned with the inflection of words, particularly the change of form to indicate grammatical category. Often contrasted with syntax, which deals with the arrangement of words into phrases and sentences.

## Examples

- The teacher explained the rules of accidence in the grammar lesson.
- In many European languages, the study of accidence is essential for mastering the complex system of verb conjugations and noun declensions.
- While modern linguistics often focuses on syntax and semantics, the traditional study of accidence remains vital for understanding the historical development of inflected languages like Latin or Greek.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.